Kyle Kuzma’s Past teams

The NBA has been fortunate with many young stars who made their name into the league with their eye catching game play. One such star is Kyle Kuzma. He is known for his versatility and scoring ability. The youngster made his NBA debut in 2017 and over the period of time established himself as one of the talents that enriches any franchise.

Originally drafted by the Brooklyn Nets, youngster was part of a trade that sent D’Angelo Russell to the Nets and Kuzma to the Los Angeles Lakers. Although he was 27th overall pick, he went on to be one of the steals for the Lakers eventually. Throughout his career, he has experienced different environments and played for various teams.

With every team and season fans saw development in Kuzma. No doubt each team and coach contributed to his growth as a professional player. We will explore Kyle Kuzma's past teams, tracing his trajectory from his rookie season to his current standing in the league.

Kyle Kuzma’s Past Teams

1. Los Angeles Lakers (2017-2021)

Becoming a member of the part-rebuilding franchise gave Kuzma a huge opportunity to establish himself early in the league. With a demanding franchise like the Los Angeles Lakers, Kyle Kuzma understood the “demands” of the game.

He burst onto the scene during his rookie season. The Michigan-born star exceeded expectations, showcasing his scoring prowess and versatility on the court. Kuzma's ability to score from all areas of the floor, coupled with his rebounding skills, earned him a spot in the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Following his successful rookie campaign, Kuzma found a mentor in LeBron James, who was selected to play for purple and gold in 2018. Although the season didn’t end well as expected, Kuzma along with other youngsters were enlightened with LeBron’s guidance. Kuzma had a personal best season, winning NBA Rising Stars Challenge MVP award in 2019.

The team went on to win the 2020 NBA championship with addition of yet another star – Anthony Davis. 24-year-old Kyle Kuzma remained third top scorer for his team and finished the season with 12.8 points, 1.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in regular season. He maintained his production in the postseasons also delivering some clutch shots for the Lakers.

2. Washington Wizards (2021-current)

In the 2021 offseason, Kyle Kuzma was an important piece of the mega trade involving the Washington Wizards superstar Russell Westbrook. Playing as a part-time starter, Kyle Kuzma found a regular starting place with the Wizards.

Joining the Wizards provided Kuzma a fresh start and an opportunity to expand his role on a new team. In Washington, he joined forces with Kristaps Porzingis and Bradley Beal to challenge for the NBA championships.

Although he had his Lakers’ teammates with him in the capital, Kyle shined the most and was retained over the period. He has shown flashes of his scoring ability and has embraced a larger responsibility on the court. Kyle remained the third best scoring option for the Wizards behind Beal and Porzingis. Kuzma's versatility and offensive skills have been on display, and he has become an integral part of the Wizards' rotation.

In the 2023 season also, Kuzma proved to be a vital part of Wizards plans and a force to reckon with. Kyle reached new highs in the Wizards colors. Kuzma grabbed a career-high 22 rebounds, alongside 27 points in a win over the Magic team. He also recorded his first career triple-double in a close win over the Brooklyn Nets. Kuzma contributed 15 points with 13 rebounds and 10 assists.

Overall throughout his career, Kyle Kuzma has made significant contributions to his teams on the court. His scoring ability, versatility, and willingness to take on new challenges have made him a valuable asset. Kuzma has showcased his versatility and offensive prowess. As he continues to navigate his professional career, each team he has been a part of has contributed to his growth and development, shaping him into the talented player he is today.

As on June 20th, 2023, Kuzma declined his $13 million player option making him a very exciting free agent in the pool.